Hitch Mounted Light Assembly for Non-Magnetic Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching external lights to vehicles being towed are unsafe and unreliable, particularly on vehicles made of non-magnetic materials or with aerodynamic designs, as they often fail to securely fasten or meet traffic safety laws.
Innovation Solution
A hitch-mounted light assembly that attaches to the vehicle's trailer hitch, featuring a mounting bar, vertical bar, and foldable arms with traffic lights, using a trailer wiring plug for power and adjustable positioning to ensure secure and compliant lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment is used, then lights can be easily attached to vehicles, but it does not work on vehicles made of plastics and non-magnetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hitch mount as an intermediary attachment point that is universally available on vehicles regardless of material composition. Instead of directly attaching lights to the vehicle body surface (which fails on non-magnetic materials), the system uses the hitch receiver as a mediator that provides a reliable mechanical interface for mounting the light assembly.
2Ease of operation
If suction attachment is used, then lights can be attached to vehicles, but it only works if a large enough flat spot on the vehicle can be found
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mount serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need to find suitable flat surfaces on aerodynamic vehicles. The mount attaches to the standardized hitch receiver structure, providing a reliable mounting point regardless of the vehicle's body shape or surface characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive attachment is used, then lights can be attached to vehicles, but adhesive wears out over time which could result in a light falling off
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mount acts as a durable intermediary structure that replaces temporary adhesive bonds with a permanent mechanical connection. The mount attaches once to the hitch receiver and provides long-term secure mounting, eliminating the degradation issues associated with adhesive wear.
4Ease of operation
If lights are tied onto the vehicle, then lights can be attached to vehicles, but many vehicles are not constructed so that lights can be safely and securely tied onto it
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mount provides a standardized intermediary attachment structure that replaces the need to find suitable tying points on various vehicle bodies. The mount interfaces with the universal hitch receiver, providing a secure mechanical connection point regardless of vehicle construction.
5Reliability
If external lights are added to the vehicle, then unsafe conditions can be resolved, but the attachment method must be safe and secure to meet traffic safety laws
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mount utilizes the existing universal hitch receiver structure already present on vehicles for towing purposes. By repurposing this existing multi-functional component for light mounting, the system achieves secure attachment without adding complex custom mounting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch mounted light assembly includes a mount configured to releasably communicate with a hitch of the vehicle. The assembly is configured with a set of traffic lights intended for the use on the rear of the vehicle. The traffic lights pivot outward and upward from a vertical bar in communication with the mount. The elevation of the lights is adjustable. The assembly is configured to transition between a storage configuration and an expanded configuration intended for use. The traffic lights are operable through a conventional trailer plug on the vehicle.